In the last five years no more than 11 players have returned to the Bernabeu having left on a transfer or loan deal.

Mariano and Dani Carvajal were both bought back for more than they left, while Lucas Vazquez was brought back from his loan by Rafa Benitez after Espanyol tried to exercise their option to buy.

In addition Denis Cheryshev, Casemiro, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo, Marcos Llorente and Borja Mayoral were all loaned out before being recalled to the first team.

Loan moves are commonplace for young players at big clubs but what is striking is that Real are now relying on these players instead of going out and buying the world’s best talent.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in the summer and you would have expected Los Blancos to replace him with one of Kylian Mbappe, Eden Hazard or Neymar – but they couldn’t get a deal over the line.

Instead they have had to move for former Real youth player Mariano, for £16m more than they sold him a years ago.

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